Turk's Head Downstairs, situated at 27-30 Parliament Street in
Dublin's vibrant Temple Bar district, has long established itself as a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife scene. Originally opened in the late 1990s, the venue occupies part of a historic building that dates back to the 17th century, combining ornate period architecture with contemporary design elements. Over the years, Turk's Head has garnered a reputation for its eclectic décor—most notable for its stunning mosaic pillars and colorful, Byzantine-inspired murals—and its inclusive, energetic ambiance.
The "Downstairs" section functions as the club’s late-night heart, drawing crowds with its intimate dancefloor, state-of-the-art sound system, and a consistently innovative line-up of DJs and live acts. Culturally, the venue holds significance for consistently supporting
Dublin’s underground music and arts scenes, as well as being a key participant in city-wide events like Culture Night and
Dublin Pride. Throughout its existence, Turk's Head has seen minor internal renovations to stay current with club culture trends, such as upgrading lighting and sound, but its location and essential layout have remained largely unchanged, helping to foster a sense of continuity and nostalgia among its patrons.
As Temple Bar itself has evolved into
Dublin’s cultural and nightlife epicenter, Turk's Head Downstairs has remained a beloved fixture, renowned for attracting a diverse crowd—locals, students, artists, and tourists alike—and for providing a platform for emerging talent as well as established names from across genres.
Among the notable artists who have performed at Turk's Head Downstairs are international DJs such as
Mark Knight,
Roger Sanchez, and
Norman Jay MBE, as well as revered local acts including
Fish Go Deep, Kelly-Anne Byrne, and
Aoife Nic
Canna. The club has also welcomed electronic music pioneers like
Luigi Madonna and rising Irish stars like
DeFeKT and
Sunil Sharpe, along with hosting residencies from
Dublin’s much-loved party collectives like Mother and Hidden
Agenda.